Esapa Osong the star as U18s beat Wolves

By Alex Burton

Forest U18s returned to winning ways against Wolves thanks to a sublime hat-trick from Detlef Esapa Osong on the road.

The young Reds got off to a fantastic start against a solid Wolves side, being awarded a penalty in the third minute. Ben Perry's cross was handled by a defender and the referee pointed to the spot without hesitation.

Esapa Osong converted clinically with a cool head to give the visitors an early lead.

Just as the game began to settle, Fabian Reynolds ran down the left flank to threaten for the hosts, lofting the ball into the danger area before midfielder Josh Esen headed wide.

With 20 minutes gone, Wolves were adamant in trying to control the game, recycling the ball and forcing Forest to be patient. In defence, Forest set up a rigid two banks of four, pinning Wolves into their own half.

The visitors' patience paid off when Jack Nadin won the ball back from the Wolves midfield. Kyle McAdam was able to set himself on the edge of the penalty area and his well driven shot was deflected into the far corner.

On the half-hour Mark, Danny Anijsko showed some electric pace on the left side, charging into the box and with a drop of the shoulder, was brought down for another penalty. Esapa Osong seemed to feel no pressure, as he tucked the ball away in the same spot as his first.

Forest saw out the half at a comfortable lead, denying any chances of a Wolves attack.

Half time: Forest U18s 3-0 Wolves

Wolves began the second half hungrily after a triple change at the restart and managed to find a goal within six minutes. A cross from full-back Marvin Kaleta reached the head of Reynolds, who found the far corner with a glancing header to make it 3-1.

Reynolds and co. continued to cause problems in attack; he could’ve had his second minutes later, narrowly missing a squared ball on the slide.

Forest dug in and kept to their structure, holding strong up to the hour mark before they sprung their first major attack of the half.

Esapa Osong hunted down a long ball and allowed the defender to jockey him for a few moments, before jinking inside onto his right and bending the ball sweetly into the top right corner - a stunning finish to gift the striker with his hattrick.

Fellow starlet and captain Kyle McAdam could've also grabbed another goal five minutes later, but his shot rose just over the bar.

Forest managed to make it over the finish line for an impressive 4-1 victory away from home.

The young Reds came away from the match with their largest winning goals margin this season, making them in great stead to face Blackburn Rovers at home next Saturday at the Nigel Doughty Academy.

Full time: Forest U18s 4-1 Wolves